Today, Google was supposed to show off its next generation of Nexus devices and Android software today in an event in NYC. The Atlantic Frankenstorm known as Hurricane Sandy had other ideas. Instead of rescheduling, Google decided for a soft launch for Android 4.2, the Nexus 4 smartphone, the Nexus 10 tablet, and updated Nexus 7s on its blog instead.

Nexus 4

Replacing last year’s Galaxy Nexus is the LG built Nexus 4. The name could have a double meaning as it’s both the 4th phone in the Nexus line and it has a 4.7” screen. The Nexus 4 is built around the just mentioned 4.7 screen has a 1280×768 resolution at 320ppi. This is presumably the same model used in LG’s skinned Optimus G. It also shares the Optimus’s Krait-based Snapdragon S4Pro SoC and the 1.3mp front and 8mp rear arrangement used in some versions of the Optimus. You get 2GB of system memory and a 2100mAh battery.

That’s the good news. Here’s the bad: At least in the version announced today, you have to a choice between a paltry 8 or 16GB of storage with MicroSD slot and LTE is nowhere to be found. You do get pentaband HSPA+ connectivity which should lessen the blow in Europe and other markets. It’ll sting in the US though, where you’ll be limited to AT&T and T-Mobile’s existing “faux-G” networks. No announcement of a CDMA EV-DO version either.

The Nexus 4, as well as the tablets, will be available in North America and the large European nations on November 13th through the Google Play Store for $299 and $349 unlocked, as well as through T-Mobile USA in 16GB for $199 with a 2yr contract.

Nexus 7

Yeah we’ve seen the Nexus 7 before and a couple changes have occurred. The existing WiFi model has bumped up the storage capacities to 16 and 32GB at the existing $199 and $299 price points. At $299, there is also now a 32GB HSPA+ cellular version. That’s $130 less than the WiFi 32GB iPad mini and $260 less than the cellular version if you’re okay with the slightly smaller 16:9 display. Like the Nexus 4, LTE and EV-DO are nowhere to be found.

Nexus 10

The star of the show (that wasn’t) is Samsung’s Nexus 10. Pound for pound, this looks to exceed the iPad 4 from a technical standpoint in some areas. The machine is centered around an almost even 10” display at 2560×1600 at 300ppi. That’s a bit higher than the iPad 3/4’s Retina display at 264ppi.

When it comes power, this machine has plenty. In fact, this is the first device to be powered by the next generation ARM A15 dual-core CPU and Mali 604 quad core graphics. This should be very comparable to the A6X.

It will come in 16 and 32GB versions for $399 and $499, $100 less than the equivalent iPad 4. If you want 64GB of storage or any kind of cellular radio, they’re not available.

Android 4.2

Those wanting some Keylime pie will have to settle for a second helping of Jelly Bean. That’s not to say that there’s nothing new here because there most certainly is. In fact, these new features might give you a sugar high.

The feature set begins with something tablet buyers have been asking for since the beginning, multiple user support. With the tablet becoming in many ways a successor to the family PC, this will save some money and privacy concerns. For photographers, there’s a new type of panorama called a PhotoSphere. There’s a kind of smart screensaver, they’re calling daydream. Rounding out the feature set, is improvements to Google Now, the on-screen keyboard, and notifications. Lastly, is a very Airplay-like mirroring technology for using your device on your big screen.

About Benjamin J. Roethig

Ben is an external Associate Editor at Geek Beat. He can be described connoisseur of things technological. Ben's hobbies include reading up on Military, Naval, and Aeronautical history, playing around with his Macs and iDevices, exploring the mountainous bluffs of Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL, and proving that 15+ years of practice does not make perfect on his guitars. If you want to find him Ben can be found on Twitter (@benroethig), Google (gplus.to/benroethig), and as an occasional guest on Apple related podcasts.